Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu has disclosed that he rejected his nomination for the Maiden State of Honours Award 2022 as Commander, Ebonyi Hall of FAME by the governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi because there are other personalities in the state who have worked so hard and deserving of such honours.
The Bishop further told the governor that he would rather prefer that he sets in motion, actions that would facilitate the termination of murder and sundry charges against his priest, Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta as a replacement for the award.
In a letter, sighted by our reporter, dated December 16, 2022 and addressed to His Excellency. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, with the caption “RE: NOTIFICATION OF YOUR SELECTION FOR THE MAIDEN STATE OF HONOURS AWARD 2022 AS COMMANDER, EBONYI HALL OF FAME (CEHF)”, the Bishop commended the governor for founding him worthy of recognition but declined the nomination.
He went further to state that his predecessor, Most Rev. Michael Nnachi Okoro who has served the state meritoriously for several decades should rather be bestowed with the award, adding that he is barley a year in office and has not really achieved much that would attract such a prestigious award.
He wrote, “I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter notifying me that I have been selected for the Maiden State of Honours Award 2022 as Commander, Ebonyi Hall of FAME. I am pleasantly surprised that I was selected for such a prestigious honour by your government.
“I wish to sincerely thank you for your thoughtful consideration in selecting me for the Maiden State of Honours Award. I am grateful to you and your government for deeming me fit for the award.
“Your Excellency, I wish to respectfully decline this award. I am barely one year in office. I am still struggling to fit into the high demands of the ecclesiastical office of the Bishop. So, I feel that I have not achieved much as to deserve an award. If I may suggest, I would rather wish that this award be bestowed on my predecessor, Most Rev. Michael Nnachi Okoro, for his long and meritorious service to God and humanity. Rather than give me an award, I would prefer you set in motion, actions that would facilitate the termination of murder and sundry charges against my priest, Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta.
“Accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and regards as you pilot the affairs of the State. Be assured of my constant prayers for you, your government and the good people of our dear State”.
You may wish to note that the governor had earlier sent a nomination letter dated 12th December, 2022 with reference number, GOV/EBS/OM/3.42/V/350, addressed to His Lordship, Most Rev. Fr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese to nominate him for the award.
Part of the letter reads, “I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected by the Government of Ebonyi State for the conferment of State Honours Award as Commander, Ebonyi Hall of Fame (CEHF), pursuant to Ebonyi State Honours Law No 008 of 2022. This Award of Honour is in recognition of your illustrious service to Ebonyi State and humanity.
“Your esteemed presence is therefore requested at the special event scheduled to hold as follows: Date: Thursday 22nd December, 2022”.
The Bishiop had on several occasion criticized the administrative style of the governor. He was seen in a viral video, encouraging church members to vote out bad leaders that think that they can pocket the entire state with their ephemeral political office. He said that the people should vote out leaders that unleash killings in the state adding that it is only the living that can enjoy the infrastructure being provided by the state government.
The sermon was said to have been delivered at the occasion of the commemoration of the 2022 ‘Christ the King’ day at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital.
